The Atelier Hlavina Gallery has opened a new exhibition season. Friday, September 19, offered not only a magically harmonious date and numbers, but also the exceptional moment of discovering the work of artist Helena Sumbalová. The festive opening of the exhibition titled In Another Place, with the subtitle “and at another time”—a reference to the fact that the exhibition was realized only on the second attempt and at a later date—attracted both long-time supporters and new visitors of the gallery, as well as art enthusiasts.
Bratislava-born Helena Sumbalová studied literary translation at the Faculty of Arts of Comenius University, yet her childhood dream and desire to become a painter had been glowing within her since her days as a talented student of the People’s School of Art. Professionally, she devoted herself to translating fiction and plays, but life placed her primarily in the role of a mother. She dedicated herself fully to raising her five children, yet in her spare moments she painted, drew, and wrote. Her artistic soul needed to soar, and her ideas and talent sought space for expression.
At first, she focused on figurative painting and portraiture, later becoming fascinated by abstraction. It is precisely this peculiar and mysterious “indefiniteness” of abstraction, interwoven with carefully placed reference points, that allows the viewer to play with their own imagination and opens the door to fantasy. Suddenly, you find yourself in another place, yet still in the present moment—immersed in a sophisticated illusion. She most often paints with acrylics. Her new inspiration comes from nature, which surrounds her at her weekend cottage in Miezgovce.
The artist herself, personally present at the opening, shared her story with captivating warmth. The gallerist and host Viera Žáková complemented the evening with both professional insight into Sumbalová’s work and a lighthearted, human perspective on the artist’s life. We learned that the paintings for Helena Sumbalová’s very first exhibition were selected by Andrej Rudavský, a distinguished Slovak ceramicist, sculptor, and painter. He was a cherished friend, advisor, and the artist’s first curator.
As is tradition at the gallery’s openings, the event featured a musical performance by students of the local art school (ZUŠ). This time, it was young aspiring actors who, under the guidance of Simoneta Adamková, showcased their talent as outstanding singers. Nina Ambrusová, Róbert Tuchyňa, and Samuel Hainc enriched the evening’s atmosphere with their brilliant performances.
Helena Sumbalová is not only a gifted painter but also a master of words, transforming her innermost feelings into poetry. Two of her poems are included in the exhibition’s bulletin. Poetry and harmony permeate all her artistic endeavors. It would be a pity to miss the experience of this exceptional exhibition—it runs until the end of October and can brighten up a gloomy autumn day or make an Indian summer even more delightful.
All it takes is to step “into another place” and let yourself be carried away by beauty.